NEW CASTLE, DE — Authorities in Delaware have revealed new details about a sweeping narcotics investigation that led to the arrest of a 45-year-old New Castle man, uncovering what officials describe as a large-scale drug trafficking operation active across New Castle County and nearby regions.
Investigation Overview
Detectives with the New Castle County Police Drug and Human Trafficking Investigations Team began looking into unusual distribution activity in September 2025, after identifying signs pointing to multi-location drug movement across the county. Police say their findings gradually narrowed the investigation to a residence in the Collins Park neighborhood, where suspicious activity had reportedly been observed for several weeks.
Authorities confirmed that the probe grew in complexity as detectives traced connections indicating widespread narcotics trafficking, ultimately piecing together evidence that suggested high-volume supply operations.
The investigation details were first reported through law enforcement updates shared publicly during the arrest announcement.
Timeline Leading to the Major Raid
By mid-November, detectives had secured enough probable cause to move forward. On November 18, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at the home of Adeeb Sharif, located on the 400 block of Howell Drive. The coordinated operation was supported by multiple investigative units trained in narcotics detection and evidence handling.
When officers entered the property, they discovered a significant cache of illegal substances as well as the tools commonly used for high-volume drug distribution. According to the police statement, the items seized made it clear that the location served as an active processing and packaging site.
What Investigators Found
During the search, detectives seized an extensive amount of illegal narcotics and related materials, including:
- 889 grams of crack cocaine
- 263 grams of crystal methamphetamine
- 88 grams of suspected MDMA
- 59 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl
- 1,045 grams of a suspected cutting agent
- Digital scale, razor blades, sandwich bags, and other packaging tools used in distribution
Officials say the combined volume of the recovered substances points to a trafficking operation that extended far beyond individual or small-scale distribution.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Following the raid, Adeeb Sharif, age 45, was taken into custody and transported to the New Castle County Police Headquarters for processing.
Police later confirmed several charges, including:
- Four felony counts of Tier 3 possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- Four felony counts of Tier 3 possession of a controlled substance
- One misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia
Sharif was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2, where a judge ordered him to be held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after he was unable to post $480,200 cash bail.
Statements From Officials
Police reiterated that despite the weight of the evidence collected, no judgment has been made.
“All charges are allegations, and any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” authorities stated in their release.
Officials also noted that investigations of this nature often serve as critical steps toward dismantling broader distribution networks, adding that efforts continue to identify additional individuals or locations tied to the operation.
Community Impact and Public Safety Awareness
Large-scale narcotics operations can have far-reaching impacts on local neighborhoods. In communities like Collins Park, residents often express concern about the dangers associated with drug trafficking, including increased foot traffic, violence, and unsafe conditions for families.
Police departments emphasize the importance of community reporting, noting that anonymous tips frequently play a vital role in uncovering distribution hubs. Safety experts encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activity, especially in areas where they notice unusual short-term visitors, late-night traffic, or strong chemical odors associated with drug production.
Authorities warn that powerful substances such as fentanyl pose a heightened risk to the public. Even trace amounts can be fatal, and incidental exposure has been known to cause severe medical emergencies. Awareness surrounding fentanyl-laced substances continues to rise as overdose rates remain a concern nationwide.
Conclusion
The months-long investigation in New Castle County highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to identify and dismantle major drug networks before they can further endanger communities. As the legal process moves forward, additional information may emerge regarding the scope of the trafficking operation and any potential connections to broader networks.
Have you seen similar activity in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
